It Seemed My Fiancé Hated Me, So I Distanced Myself—But for Some Reason, He Complained - Chapter 34

“Ah, if you want to hear about it, Clarissa, of course I’ll explain. You know Anastasia is the daughter of the Duke of Sanchez, right?”

“Yes, I’m aware. She is Your Highness Lucas’s cousin, isn’t she?”

“I’m glad you know. That’s right, Anastasia is my cousin. Since she’s my father’s niece, she often came to the castle to play since we were children.”

For some reason, Prince Lucas said this with a bitter expression.

“Were you and Lady Anastasia close, Your Highness?”

“I do have memories of playing together when we were very young. But honestly, I don’t like her very much. There was a time when my position became unstable, and she coldly cut ties with me. I understand she had her own position to consider, but then when circumstances changed, she did a complete about-face and started cozying up to me again, which I find annoying.”

Prince Lucas spoke with clear displeasure.

Since the prince is always cheerful with everyone, I found it surprising to hear him speak like that.

Prince Lucas continued with the same bitter expression.

“The talk of engagement with Anastasia came up when I was around fourteen. There were several candidates besides Anastasia, but I wasn’t ready to decide on a fiancée yet. After people left during that unstable period I mentioned, I’d become somewhat distrustful of people. I asked to postpone the engagement discussions, but Anastasia, being the highest-ranking candidate, wouldn’t accept that. She started frequently forcing her way into the palace and acting as if she were already my fiancée.”

“My…”

“Ah, don’t misunderstand, Clarissa! I kept refusing her the whole time!”

Prince Lucas said this with a slightly panicked expression.

“That’s quite all right. I would never doubt you, Your Highness.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I truly only have eyes for you, Clarissa, so please believe me.”

Prince Lucas tightly grasped my hand and spoke with a serious expression.

I could feel my face growing hot as I nodded in response to his words.

“You don’t need to worry about Anastasia at all, Clarissa.”

The prince added this as if to emphasize his point.

After that, Prince Lucas said he needed to return to his work and left accompanied by his attendant, Derek.

As he was leaving, the prince smiled, waved, and said, “Let’s meet again later.”

In the room after the prince had left, I sat on the bed and thought vaguely.

What a peaceful place this is.

No being yelled at by Father, no being glared at by Stepmother, no hearing Chelsea’s sarcastic remarks.

I felt grateful to Prince Lucas for providing me with this environment.

But at the same time, I felt guilty for only receiving kindness without being able to give anything in return.